CBSA seizes 56 prohibited firearms and makes an arrest at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry
News release
November 19, 2021 Point Edward, Ontario Canada Border Services Agency
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to safeguarding Canada and keeping contraband goods from reaching communities. Today, the CBSA announced one of the largest single firearm seizures in the Southern Ontario Region in recent history, with the interdiction of 56 prohibited firearms and the arrest of Vivian Richards of Oakland Park, Florida.
On November 1, 2021, a vehicle was referred for secondary examination at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario. During the examination, CBSA officers discovered 56 undeclared prohibited firearms,13 over-capacity magazines, 43 ten-round pistol magazines and 100 rounds of ammunition, located in boxes in the trunk of the car. All of the items were seized.
Vivian Richards, 48 years of age, was arrested and charged by the CBSA with the following:
- Making false or deceptive statements, contrary to the Customs Act, section 153(a);
- Evading compliance, contrary to the Customs Act, section 153(c);
- Keeping, acquiring, disposing of goods illegally imported, contrary to the Customs Act, section 155;
- Attempting to smuggle, contrary to the Customs Act, section 159;
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada, section 91(1);
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon or restricted weapon, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada, section 91(2);
- Possession for the purpose of weapons trafficking, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada, section 100(1);
- Importing or exporting knowing it is unauthorized, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada, section 103(1); and,
- Possessing a firearm knowing that the serial number on it has been altered, defaced or removed, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada, section 108(1)(b).
Richards’ next court date is November 24, 2021. The investigation is ongoing.
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Quotes
“The Canada Border Services Agency is the first line of defence for our country. The smuggling of firearms is a threat to public safety and this seizure is an example of our steadfast commitment to preventing dangerous criminal activities and keeping Canadians safe.”
~ The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety
“This seizure and arrest demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. I am proud of our border services officers, intelligence officers and investigators who work diligently to stop the smuggling of firearms and keep our communities safe.”
~ Christine Durocher, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region
Quick facts
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Firearms and weapons are high-risk commodities and their interdiction is a CBSA enforcement priority.
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The CBSA and its domestic and international law enforcement partners work together to prevent illegal firearms and weapons from reaching our communities.
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For the latest firearm statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
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The CBSA works closely with its domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure the protection and safety of Canadians. The CBSA is leading a cross-border task force on behalf of the Government of Canada that will ensure that law enforcement partners on both sides of the border benefit from shared intelligence, information, and partnerships, so that they can detect and intercept the illegal movement of firearms at the border.
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If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.
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If you have information on suspicious or criminal activities, please contact your local police, the Ontario Provincial Police or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500
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